Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Sambi Lokonga ‘p***ed off’ with Belgium boss Martinez and says he ‘almost snapped’ and asked for Arsenal transfer exit

Published on October 18, 2022 at 02:11 PM

ARSENAL midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed he almost quit both Arsenal AND the Belgium national team earlier this year.

The 22-year-old joined the Gunners from Anderlecht for £18million in the summer of 2021.

He started 16 times under Mikel Arteta last season, but was often reduced to being used as a back-up in the middle of the park.

This consequently saw him struggle for game time with his country as Belgian boss Roberto Martinez opted to leave him on the bench in both of their friendly matches in March.

And it has left Lokonga furious with the former Wigan and Everton manager as the World Cup fast approaches.

Speaking to La Derniere Heure, he said: “I called him the day after the international match in March. I was really p****d off.

“I thought for a moment that I didn’t even want to play for the national team anymore. I was disgusted.

“Martinez said he preferred players who are playing regularly at their club.

He was also not completely satisfied with my training. I don’t think he can portray me as a bad boy who doesn’t work hard. It would be too easy to put up such a picture of me.

“He can’t use something like that to justify why I don’t get to play.”;

Lokonga has not been included in Martinez’s squad since the friendlies in March.

And the midfielder has also admitted he considered departing Arsenal following just one campaign in England.

“At the end of last season, I almost snapped,”; he added when speaking about his first year in the Premier League.

“I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea.

“He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop.”;

Lokonga has enjoyed more game time so far this season, featuring in six of the Gunners’ 11 Prem matches and starting all three of their Europa League games.

Arteta’s men sit top of the Premier League table with nine wins from 10 and also boast a 100 per cent record in Europe.

Prev Article

Lota Chukwu, Daniel Etim Effiong & BamBam Star in New Short Film “37 To Go” | Watch on BN TV

Next Article

Premier League on Amazon Prime fixtures for 2022/23: Can they be watched for free?

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *